How to Tie a Snell Knot for Fishing — Fishing Fetch

Fishingfetch
3 min readJun 2, 2023

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Fishing with a snell knot can greatly improve your chances of hooking and landing fish. This knot is commonly used to attach hooks to fishing lines and is known for its strength and reliability. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of tying a snell knot, ensuring that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance your fishing success.

Understanding the Snell Knot

Before we delve into the tying process, let’s understand what a snell knot is and why it is beneficial for fishing. The snell knot is a specialized knot that allows the hook to be positioned at a right angle to the line, resulting in better hooksets and increased strength. This knot is handy when using live bait, as it helps prevent the appeal from sliding up the shank of the hook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tying a Snell Knot

Step 1: Gather your materials To tie a snell knot, you will need a fishing hook, fishing line, and a pair of pliers (optional but recommended).

Step 2: Thread the line through the eye of the hook Pass the tag end (the end of the line) through the eye of the hook from front to back, leaving a few inches of line extending beyond the hook.

Step 3: Create a loop Form a loop with the tag end of the line, making sure it is on the same side as the hook.

Step 4: Wrap the loop around the shank Take the loop and wrap it around the shank of the hook. Make sure to keep the wraps tight and close together. The number of wraps can vary depending on the size of the hook and the strength of the line, but 5–7 wraps are generally sufficient.

Step 5: Pass the tag end through the loop Insert the tag end through the loop you created in Step 3, ensuring that it passes through the loop closest to the eye of the hook.

Step 6: Tighten the knot Hold onto the tag end and the main line, and gently pull them in opposite directions to tighten the knot. Make sure the wraps remain snug against the hook's shank as you tighten.

Step 7: Trim the excess Using a pair of pliers or scissors, trim the excess tag end close to the knot, leaving just a small tail.

Tips and Tricks for Tying a Snell Knot

  • Wetting the knot with water or saliva before tightening it can help reduce friction and ensure a secure knot.
  • Practice tying the snell knot before heading out for your fishing trip to build confidence and proficiency.
  • Experiment with different hook sizes and types of fishing lines to determine the optimal combination for your fishing needs.
  • If you’re using a monofilament line, consider using a line conditioner or silicone spray to reduce friction and improve the knot’s strength.

Conclusion

By mastering the snell knot, you’ll have a reliable and effective method for attaching hooks to your fishing line. The strength and positioning of this knot will help increase your hook-up and landing rates, giving you an edge on your fishing adventures. Remember to practice tying the knot until you can do it confidently and efficiently. With time and experience, you’ll become proficient in tying the snell knot and reap the benefits of this versatile fishing knot.

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Fishingfetch
Fishingfetch

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